Eric Jaffe discusses findings reported in the upcoming issue of Transport Policy that compare the relative effectiveness of subsidizing fares, regulating auto use, and expanding systems to increase transit ridership.
Using data from 41 major cities around the world, a group of Chilean researchers led by Louis de Grange of Diego Portales University ran a total of 16 econometric models comparing the three methods identified above.
According to Jaffe, "After controlling for key demographics the researchers found a consistent pattern: System expansion increases transit ridership a little. Car regulation increases it a lot. And fare subsidies have no effect at all."
"Despite the poor showing of fare subsidies, De Grange and colleagues don't mean to imply they should be eliminated. Rather, the numbers just suggest that subsidizing transit is the wrong policy to implement if a major city's main goal is increased transit ridership or decreased car use."
FULL STORY: What Really Matters for Increasing Transit Ridership: Rail Edition
Free Public Transit for Chicago?
The CTA just raised fares, but some think if the service were truly committed to equity it should be made free.
Op-Ed: Rideshare Beats Streetcars for Short Trips
Especially for parties with more than one passenger, summoning a car can make more sense, according to a recent op-ed. Transit still wins out for longer trips, but streetcars might just not be worth it downtown.
Should Transit Systems Break from the Low Fare Orthodoxy?
A proposal for a radical reinvention of the fare structure for the country's transit systems—one that balances the cost of transit with that of driving, generates more revenue from fares, and enables more capital investments.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?
USGS Water Science Centers Targeted for Closure
If their work is suspended, states could lose a valuable resource for monitoring, understanding, and managing water resources.
Local Governments Sue HUD Over Funding Cuts
A new lawsuit alleges that the Trump administration’s revised guidelines for housing and homelessness assistance funds will decimate key programs.
California Is Retooling its AV Guidelines
The California DMV is proposing a new framework for light- and heavy-duty self-driving trucks that would enhance reporting requirements and pave the way for autonomous commercial fleets.
Proposed Boulder Ballot Measures Call for Impact Fees, Affordable Duplexes
Boulder residents are working to put two housing-related proposals on the November ballot.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
New York City School Construction Authority
Village of Glen Ellyn
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Chaddick Institute at DePaul University
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions